Unboxing and History of the Beretta 84BB
The video opens with the hosts introducing a batch of Italian surplus Beretta 84BB pistols laid out on the table, joking about Italian greetings while highlighting that these are police trade-ins from the Guardia di Finanza. They explain that the 84BB belongs to a long-running Beretta lineage, starting with the original Model 84 in 1976, followed by the 84B in 1980, and then the 84BB in 1982. The “BB” marking is tied to Brev. (patent) and denotes an updated iteration. The pistol is described as a metal-framed, direct blowback handgun chambered in .380 ACP, also known as 9mm Short or 9x17, with a 13-round magazine capacity. It is positioned as a compact option suitable for self-defense or range use. Key features include an ambidextrous, frame-mounted safety that allows cocked-and-locked carry, a molded-in front sight paired with a dovetailed rear sight, plastic flat grips replacing earlier wood panels, and an improved recoil spring guide rod. The hosts emphasize how surprisingly clean and sharp the barrels and overall finish look for surplus guns.
Surplus Condition, Markings, and Cheetah Family Features
Attention shifts to the overall surplus condition of the Beretta 84BB pistols, with close inspection revealing barrels and chambers that appear almost new despite their service history. The import marks are noted as discreetly placed on the slide lip, preserving the pistol’s classic lines, while possible rack or unit numbers are visible on the frame, hinting at their law enforcement past. The hosts reiterate the 13+1 capacity and the external safety that supports condition one carry. White-dot sights are discussed, with the paint often faded but still useful for quick alignment, even if they cannot match modern night sights or fiber optics. Ergonomics receive praise, as the 84BB offers a full, beefy grip in a relatively small package. The pistol is placed within the broader Beretta Cheetah family, which includes the Model 81 in .32 ACP, other .380 ACP variants, and .22 caliber versions, with newer 8X models continuing the line. They clarify that modern Cheetah magazines do not fit these older guns due to a grip-angle redesign and point out the side-mounted magazine release influenced by the 92SB Air Force trials, along with the ergonomic frame-mounted safety that does not interfere with slide manipulation.
Range Test, Recoil, and Trigger Performance
At the range, the hosts focus on how the Italian surplus Beretta 84BB performs in live fire. They start by explaining the .380 ACP cartridge as a shorter “9 mil short,” sharing the same approximate bullet diameter as 9mm Luger but with reduced recoil and somewhat diminished terminal performance. Despite this, they stress that .380 ACP has long been used by militaries and law enforcement and remains viable for self-defense when paired with good ammunition and shot placement. Shooting at about 20 yards, they report that the pistols handle very well, with controllable recoil and excellent ergonomics that allow a full grip even for larger hands. The older, painted white-dot sights are visibly faded but still provide a clear enough sight picture for accurate hits. Reliability is highlighted as a strong point, with the pistols running without malfunctions and locking back on empty every time. The single-action trigger is praised for a solid wall and clean break, impressive for surplus guns of this age. Overall, the 84BB is characterized as a compact, iconic pistol that is both fun to shoot and practical.
Final Thoughts, Viewer Feedback, and CFContest Plug
In the closing portion, the hosts invite viewers who have experience with Beretta pistols to share their thoughts in the comments, emphasizing Beretta’s status as a legendary and iconic firearms manufacturer. They reiterate how much they like the 84BB’s combination of compact size, full grip, and classic styling, noting that it is a pistol they would be happy to own. A lighthearted exchange follows, with one host joking about preferring high-end luxuries like caviar, sushi, and champagne, while the other counters with more down-to-earth mentions such as Chipotle, adding humor and personality to the wrap-up. The video then transitions into a promotional plug for CFContest.com, described as a place where good things happen and a favorite late-night website for one of the hosts. They close by thanking viewers for watching, expressing appreciation for their business and support, offering a brief blessing, and promising to see everyone in the next video.
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